Course Content
Lesson 2: Wallets and Keys

What You Will Learn

  • How blockchain wallets work
  • The difference between public and private keys
  • How to securely receive and store crypto

What You Will Build

  • A diagram of how public and private keys interact in a wallet

How This Helps You Make Money

A wallet is your gateway to earning crypto on MetaWork. You’ll use it to receive payments for jobs, royalties from NFTs, or investment returns.

Real-World Applications:

Success Story: A young gamer from Mexico created his first blockchain wallet through MetaWork. Despite initial concerns about technical complexity, the guided setup process helped him establish secure storage for his gaming earnings.

“I was worried it would be complicated, but the step-by-step guide made it simple,” he shares. “Now I earn crypto daily through gaming tasks. Last month, I earned enough to pay for my programming course and still had savings left over.”

Think About Your Context:

  • What devices do people in your community typically use that could support a blockchain wallet?
  • What security practices would work best in your local context?
  • How could you explain wallet security to someone with limited technical knowledge?

Community Application:
Create a simple guide to wallet setup and security that would work for someone in your community with limited technical experience.

Understanding Blockchain Wallets

A blockchain wallet is a digital tool that lets you send, receive, and store cryptocurrency. It doesn’t store coins but holds cryptographic keys.

  • Public Key: Like an email address — shareable, used to receive funds
  • Private Key: Like a password — must be kept secret, used to access funds

MetaWork guides users to create wallets securely. In the future, wallets will be created automatically using email (like ImmutableX).

Never share your private key. If someone gets it, they can steal your funds.

Troubleshooting Common Wallet Issues

Lost Access to Wallet

  • Problem: Forgotten password or seed phrase
  • Solution: If you’ve backed up your seed phrase, you can restore your wallet on a new device. Without a seed phrase, funds may be permanently lost.
  • Prevention: Store your seed phrase in multiple secure locations (e.g., paper copy in a safe, encrypted digital backup). Consider using a hardware wallet for additional security.

Transaction Not Appearing

  • Problem: You sent or received crypto, but it’s not showing in your wallet
  • Solution: Check the transaction on a blockchain explorer using the transaction hash. If confirmed on the blockchain but not in your wallet, try refreshing or resyncing your wallet.
  • Prevention: Always verify wallet addresses before sending and start with small test transactions.

High Gas Fees

  • Problem: Transaction costs are prohibitively expensive
  • Solution: Monitor gas prices using tools like ETH Gas Station and schedule non-urgent transactions during low-congestion periods. Remember that MetaWork covers gas fees for off-chain payouts.
  • Prevention: Batch multiple transactions together when possible to reduce overall costs.

Wallet Shows Incorrect Balance

  • Problem: Your balance appears wrong or tokens are missing
  • Solution: Ensure your wallet is fully synced with the blockchain. Some tokens may need to be manually added using the contract address.
  • Prevention: Use wallets that automatically detect common tokens and regularly check your balance on a blockchain explorer.

Recovery Methods

1.​ Seed Phrase Recovery: Most wallets allow restoration using your 12/24-word seed phrase

  • Step 1: Install the wallet software on a new device
  • Step 2: Select “Restore Wallet” option
  • Step 3: Enter your seed phrase exactly as written (including correct order)
  • Step 4: Set a new password

2.​ Private Key Recovery: Some wallets allow import using private keys

  • Warning: Only use this method on secure devices, as exposing your private key creates significant risk

3.​ Hardware Wallet Recovery:

  • Follow manufacturer instructions for device recovery
  • Most require the original seed phrase generated during setup

Real-World Example: Maria from Colombia forgot her wallet password but had safely stored her seed phrase. She successfully restored access to her MetaWork earnings by following the recovery process, allowing her to continue receiving payments for completed surveys.

Class Activity: Wallet Creation Simulation

Using a blockchain simulator:
1.​ Create a mock wallet
2.​ Generate public and private keys
3.​ Simulate receiving tokens
4.​ Practice secure key management

Homework Assignment

Install a wallet (e.g., MetaMask). Take screenshots of your public address and explain where you’d store your private key securely. (Note: Never share your actual private key in your homework submission!)

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